Effects of essential fatty acid deficiency on prostaglandin synthesis and fatty acid composition in rat renal medulla

The Sexual Effect of Chicken Embryos on the Yolk Metabolites and Liver Lipid Metabolism

The metabolic processes of animals are usually affected by sex. Egg yolk is the major nutrient utilized for the growth and development of a chicken embryo. In this study, we explored the differences of yolk metabolites in male and female chicken embryos by LC-MS/MS. Furthermore, we investigated the mRNA expression of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) in chicken embryo liver with different sexes in different embryonic stages. The results showed that the nutrient metabolites in the yolk of female chickens were mainly related to lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism in the early embryonic stage, and vitamin metabolism in the late embryonic stage. The male yolk metabolites were mainly associated with lipid metabolism and nucleic acid metabolism in the early developmental stage, and amino acids metabolism in the late embryonic stage. There was no significant difference in the expression of LPL or FAS in livers of male and female chicken embryos at different embryonic stages. Our results may lead to a better understanding of the sexual effect on yolk nutrient metabolism during chicken embryonic development.

The inhibition of lung colonization of B16-F10 melanoma cells in EFA-deficient animals is related to enhanced apoptosis and reduced angiogenesis

Previous studies conducted in our laboratory showed that the reproduction of spontaneous and experimental metastases was reduced in host animals deprived of essential fatty acids (EFA). In the present study, we have explored the possibility whether apoptosis, proliferation, and angiogenesis might be involved in the antimetastatic effect of EFA deficiency. To this aim, in pulmonary colonies developed from B16-F10 cells in EFA-deficient animals or in animals fed a 5% corn oil diet, we performed an immunohistochemical analysis of bcl-2/bax proteins, PCNA, and VEGF and von Willebrand Factor (vWF), typical markers of apoptosis, proliferation, and angiogenesis, respectively. Apoptosis was also evaluated by detecting DNA fragments in metastatic cells. We found that the reduction of pulmonary colonies grown in EFA-deficient animals was associated with a high expression of apoptotic activity as revealed by the presence of apoptotic nuclei and a high immunoreactivity for bax. Cell proliferation seemed not to be influenced by EFA deficiency in view of the observation that PCNA was highly expressed in pulmonary colonies of control as well as EFA-deficient animals. Pulmonary colonies developed in EFA- deficient animals showed a lower expression of VEGF and a decreased microvessel density, indicating that a reduced angiogenesis contributes to the antimetastatic effects of EFA deficiency. Our analysis of the results invokes the possibility that a relationship between angiogenesis and apoptosis may account for the diminution of the development of experimental metastases in the lungs of EFA-deficient animals.

Biochemical, functional, and histochemical effects of essential fatty acid deficiency in rat kidney

The present study was designed to examine the effects of EFA deficiency (EFAD) on biochemical, functional, and structural aspects of the kidney in growing and adult rats fed a normal or EFAD diet for 9 wk after weaning. Food and fluid intake (F1), urine volume, and Na+ and K+ excretions were measured weekly from weeks 4 to 8 by placing the rats in individual metabolic cages for 24 h. At week 9, Li+ and a 5% water load, respectively, were administered at 14 and 1.5 h prior to glomerular and proximal tubular function studies, as assessed by 3-h creatinine (C(Cr)) and Li+ (C(Li+)) clearances. Hematocrit and urine volume; serum and urine [Cr], [Li+], [Na+], and [K+]; and renal FA distribution were also measured. Data [corrected to 100 g/body weight (bw) and presented as means +/- SEM] were significant, at P< or = 0.05. Despite a similar ingestion of solids from weeks 4 to 7 (weeks 7 to 10 of life), the rats on the EFAD diet showed a decreased body weight from week 5. From weeks 4 to 8, Fl and urine volume were similar for both groups, but the Fl increased at week 6 in the EFAD group; 24-h Na+ and K+ excretions were similar at all weeks, except for an increase in the EFAD group for both ions at week 7. In the EFAD group, CCr and CLi+ decreased by 27 and 56.3%, respectively (385.7 +/- 33.4 vs. 280 +/- 21.1, and 21.0 +/- 2.1 vs. 9.2 +/- 1.1 microL/min/100 g; n = 9 vs. 10), the latter result suggesting increased proximal reabsorption. The 3-h Na+ and K+ excretions were similar, but the Li+ decreased (0.78 +/- 0.06 x 10(-2) vs. 0.32 +/- 0.03 x 10(-2) microeq/min/100 g) in the EFAD group, giving additional support to the suggestion. Renal structure was normal and similar for both groups, but the EFAD group showed a more prominent proximal tubule brush border, together with heavier periodic acid-Schiff staining in all specimens from weeks 5 to 9. In the EFAD group, FA of the n-9 and n-7 series were higher, but most of the n-6 series were lower as a percentage of total lipids in the medulla and cortex. Medullary levels of 20:4n-6 were maintained, 22:4n-6 declined twice, arachidonic acid was maintained, and 20:5n-3 was lower. The EFAD diet affected glomerular function, proximal tubular structure and function, and FA distribution in the rat kidney.

Hydrogenated fat high in trans monoenes with an adequate level of linoleic acid has no effect on prostaglandin synthesis in rats

Our study was designed to determine whether hydrogenated fat high in trans monoenes concentration affected prostaglandin synthesis. Corn oil (CO), butter (B), hydrogenated vegetable oil (HF) and coating fat (CF) were used in this study. These fats were fed to rats for 10 wk at 10 g/100 g diet. The phospholipid (PL) fatty acid content of platelets, aorta and heart was determined by gas liquid chromatography, and the in vitro aorta production of prostacyclin (PGI2) from exogenous or endogenous arachidonic acid (AA) was measured using the radioimmuno-assay (RIA) method. Serum thromboxane B2 (TXB2) released by platelets as thromboxane A2 (TXA2) during incubation of whole blood was also measured by this method. In the group fed CF, AA was significantly lower in the PL of aorta, platelet and heart, and the ratio 20:3(n-9)/20:4(n-6) was greater than in the groups fed CO, B or HF, indicating that the group fed CF was essential fatty acid (EFA) deficient. Although AA was significantly lower in the aorta and platelet PL of the group fed HF compared to the group fed CO, that difference did not affect the amounts of PGI2 or TXB2 produced in these groups. The group fed CF had significantly less PGI2 and TXB2 released by aorta and platelets than the other groups. This was the result of the reduced level of AA and the presence of higher amounts of 20:3(n-9) acid in the PL, which might act as a competitive inhibitor for cyclooxygenase. The aortic production of PGI2 from exogenous AA did not differ among the groups indicating that prostaglandin synthetase was not affected by the dietary fat. We conclude that the consumption of hydrogenated fats high in trans 18:1 acids with adequate amount of linoleic acid had no effect on the amount of thromboxane or prostacyclin produced by platelet or aorta in vitro.

Functional and ultrastructural effects of essential fatty acid deficiency in kidney epithelial cells

Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells were grown in culture medium supplemented with 1% fetal bovine serum (FBS) to provide a cell culture model of essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD). 5,8,11-Eicosatrienoic acid (20:3n-9) accumulated in cellular phospholipids, and arachidonic acid (20:4) decreased. A large increase in cellular cholesterol/phospholipid ratio was observed. Hemicyst formation was greatly reduced from normal levels in the EFAD-MDCK cells. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed that EFAD-MDCK were much flatter than their normal counterparts. They had much less dense surface microvilli, mitochondria and other organelles were very sparse, except in the perinuclear area, and much of the peripheral cytoplasm was amorphous. The EFAD was rapidly reversed by the addition of as little as 10 microM linoleic or arachidonic acid to the medium. Cells supplemented with 10% FBS, the usual culture condition, displayed borderline EFAD, with intermediate levels of 20:3n-9 and 20:4 and hemicyst formation. These studies suggest that EFAD reduces water and electrolyte transport in renal tubular epithelium.

Relation between essential fatty acid metabolism and gastrointestinal symptoms in cystic fibrosis

Studies in our laboratory have supported the hypothesis, that the basic defect in cystic fibrosis increases the metabolism of essential fatty acids and thereby gradually gives rise to essential fatty acid deficiency, which is a well documented finding in most cases with this disease. Both the increased metabolism--giving high liberation of arachidonic acid and its metabolic products, i.e. different eicosanoids--and the subsequent essential fatty acid deficiency will cause gastrointestinal symptoms and the sequence of this development will mirror the natural history of the disease. Clinical data and results from animal research are discussed in relation to gastrointestinal symptoms and signs of cystic fibrosis.

Acute prostaglandin reduction with indomethacin and chronic prostaglandin reduction with an essential fatty acid deficient diet both decrease plasma flow to the renal papilla in the rat

Renal distribution of prostaglandin synthetase is mainly medullary, whereas the major degrading enzyme, prostaglandin dehydrogenase is primarily cortical. This suggests that prostaglandins (PG) released from the renal medulla could affect the medullary blood vessels. In two different experiments we studied the role of PG in the regulation of renal papillary plasma flow in the rat. First study: PG synthesis were stimulated in 34 adult Sprague-Dawley rats by bleeding from the femoral artery 1% of the body weight over a period of 10 minutes. Following this, indomethacin (a PG inhibitor, 10 mg/kg i.v.) was given slowly and then renal papillary plasma flow was measured 25 minutes after the end of infusion. In 17 indomethacin rats the renal papillary plasma flow averaged 18.8 ml/100 g/minute, whereas it averaged 23.0 in 17 non-indomethacin rats given diluent, an 18% reduction (p less than .025). Second study: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were made prostaglandin deficient by fasting rats for one week, followed by 10% dextrose fluid for one week and subsequent institution of an essential fatty acid (EFA) deficient diet for two weeks. With urinary PG excretion in prostaglandin deficient rats 28 ng/24 hours compared to 149 ng in control rats, they could be considered as prostaglandin deficient. When renal papillary plasma flow was measured, the 16 prostaglandin deficient rats had a 16% lower papillary plasma flow than 16 control rats, 21.6 vs 25.6 (p less than .005). These results clearly demonstrate that PG inhibition in rats decreases plasma flow to the papilla, strongly suggesting that PG are vasodilators for the vessels supplying the renal papilla.

Comparative study of the blood pressure effects of four different vegetable fats on young, spontaneously hypertensive rats

Following the suckling period, four groups of male four-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were fed semisynthetic diets with 14% (by weight) of either sunflower seed oil [46% 18:2(n-6); linoleic acid (LA)-rich], linseed oil [62.5% 18:3(n-3) + 12.9% 18:2(n-6); alpha-linolenic acid (LNA)-rich], evening primrose oil [9.2% 18:3(n-6) + 71% 18:2(n-6); gamma-linolenic acid (LNA)-rich] or hydrogenated palm kernel fat [1.5% 18:2(n-6); polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-deficient], respectively, up to an age of 18 wk. All diets enriched with PUFA provoked an attenuation of hypertension development. The effect was lowest in the LA-rich group and highest in the gamma-LNA-rich group. Differences in fatty acid composition of renal phospholipids between groups reflect the fatty acids present in the respective dietary fats. Renomedullary production of PGF2 alpha was significantly reduced in alpha-LNA-rich and slightly diminished in gamma-LNA-rich fed rats. Aortic formation of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and TXB2 was increased in animals fed the gamma-LNA-rich diet. Thus, the attenuation of hypertension development cannot be explained only by changes in prostanoid formation. Other mechanisms possibly involved should be pursued.

Cardiovascular actions of dietary polyunsaturates and related mechanisms. A state-of-the-art-review

A survey of the effects of dietary polyunsaturates on the function of the cardiovascular system is given. In isolated hearts of rats dietary linoleate supply increases both coronary flow and heart muscle function. Hearts of rats fed high amounts of linoleic acid are protected against catecholamine (over)-stimulation. Polyunsaturate rich vegetable oils are effective in lowering blood pressure in several murine hypertension models. This effect seems to be closely related to antihypertensive changes in kidney function and in the function of the arterial vessel wall. Dietary polyunsaturates augment the hypotensive effect of antihypertensive drugs. Cardiovascular effects of dietary polyunsaturates are at least partly mediated via changes in the prostanoid metabolism as well as a reduction of the sympathetic activity. Evidence has been accumulated that cardiovascular effects of dietary polyunsaturates in animal and man are comparable. The observed effects are discussed against the background of a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease after a polyunsaturate rich diet in man.

Quantitative relationships between dietary linoleate and prostaglandin (eicosanoid) biosynthesis

Essential fatty acid deficiency consistently depresses eicosanoid (prostaglandin E2, F2, and I2 and thromboxane) biosynthesis independent of sampling protocols. Tissue fatty acid analyses support the hypothesis that the decrease is due in part to depression of arachidonate and accumulation of eicosatrienoate (n-9). Research on the alteration of eicosanoid biosynthesis by dietary linoleate supplementation is reviewed extensively. Responses of whole blood, lung, liver and heart eicosanoid synthesis to feeding eight concentrations of dietary linoleate between 0 and 27 energy percent are reported. It is concluded that stimulation, depression and no change in eicosanoid production could be equally well documented as a response to linoleate supplementation. Evidence for the obvious mechanism that alterations in precursor fatty acid composition are a possible explanation is fragmentary and inconsistent. The appropriate sampling techniques appear not to be established at this time and most likely are species, gender and tissue specific.

Effectiveness of dietary essential fatty acid deficiency in development of a model of endogenous renal prostaglandin deficiency

An essential fatty acid deficient diet (EFAD) was administered to rats to determine the feasibility of using a model of endogenous arachidonic acid deficiency to study the role of prostaglandins in the kidney. Beginning at weaning rats were fed a diet containing less than 0.2% linoleic acid. Prostaglandin E (PGE) production was determined in vitro by stimulation of renal papillary slices with 1500 mOsm NaCl in Krebs-Henseleit buffer and in vivo by 24 hour urine collection. EFAD caused a reduction of arachidonic acid in the renal papilla to 13% of levels in control rats (P less than .0005). In vitro PGE release from incubated papillae of EFAD rats was barely detectable at baseline but increased with stimulation to approximately 50% of PGE levels observed in normal tissues. Urinary PGE, volume and sodium excretion were not significantly different between EFAD and control rats. These results suggest that despite significant differences in arachidonic acid stores between EFAD and normal rats, the usefulness of this animal model to study prostaglandin-mediated events may be limited by the residual capacity of the EFAD papilla to produce prostaglandin.

Reduced prostaglandin synthesis by renal and aortic tissues from adult rats fed essential fatty acid-deficient diet after food deprivation

Studies were conducted to determine the efficacy of a dietary technique for reducing prostaglandin (PG) synthesis in adult rats. Rats weighing 280-318 g were fed either essential fatty acid (EFA)-deficient or EFA-adequate diets for 10-17 days after a period of food deprivation. Synthesis of renal papillary PGE2 and aortic PGI2 from endogenous precursor in vitro were estimated by liquid chromatographic and bioassay/radioimmunoassay techniques, respectively, as indices of the capacity of the technique to induce EFA deficiency. PGE synthesis and PGI2 synthesis by isolated tissues from rats fed the EFA-deficient diet were significantly decreased (ca. 50%) relative to control rats fed an EFA-adequate diet. Body and renal papillary weights were not significantly altered by the EFA-deficient diet.

Chemically induced renal papillary necrosis and upper urothelial carcinoma. Part 1

In the past, renal papillary necrosis (RPN) has been commonly associated with long-term abusive analgesic intake, but over recent years a wide variety of industrially and therapeutically used chemicals have been shown to induce this lesion experimentally or in man. Destruction of the renal papilla may result in: (1) secondary degenerative cortical changes which precede chronic renal failure or (2) a rapidly metastasizing upper urothelial carcinoma, which has a very poor prognosis. This article will briefly review the published data on the morphology, function, and biochemistry of the normal renal medulla and the pathology associated with RPN, together with the secondary changes which give rise to cortical degeneration or epithelial carcinoma. It will then examine in detail those chemicals which have been reported to cause RPN in an attempt to delineate structure-activity relationships. Finally, the many different theories that have been proposed to explain the pathophysiology of RPN will be examined and an hypothesis will be put forward to explain the primary pathogenesis of the lesion and its secondary consequences.

Chemically induced renal papillary necrosis and upper urothelial carcinoma. Part 2

In the past, renal papillary necrosis (RPN) has been commonly associated with long-term abusive analgesic intake, but over recent years a wide variety of industrially and therapeutically used chemicals have been shown to induce this lesion experimentally or in man. Destruction of the renal papilla may result in: (1) secondary degenerative cortical changes which precede chronic renal failure or (2) a rapidly metastasizing upper urothelial carcinoma, which has a very poor prognosis. This article will briefly review the published data on the morphology, function, and biochemistry of the normal renal medulla and the pathology associated with RPN, together with the secondary changes which give rise to cortical degeneration or epithelial carcinoma. It will then examine in detail those chemicals which have been reported to cause RPN in an attempt to delineate structure-activity relationships. Finally, the many different theories that have been proposed to explain the pathophysiology of RPN will be examined and an hypothesis will be put forward to explain the primary pathogenesis of the lesion and its secondary consequences.

Effect of dietary depletion and repletion of linoleic acid on renal fatty acid composition and urinary prostaglandin excretion

To study the effect of dietary modification on urinary prostaglandin E (UPGE) excretion and on renal fatty acid compositions, weanling male rats were raised on a fat-free diet for 6 weeks and were switched to a diet containing 2 energy % of linoleic acid (LA) for 8 days. During fat deprivation, UPGE excretion increased in the first week (6.9 ng/24 hours urine), fell to a minimum of 1.1 ng/24 hours at 3rd week and thereafter remained at a level lower than that in the controls (3.1 ng/24 hours). UPGE excretion returned rapidly to normal (2.7 ng/hr) only 24 hours after LA supplementation. During LA treatment, arachidonic acid (AA) concentrations in renal cholesteryl esters rapidly increased from 19% to 27% (33% in the controls), while concentrations in renal phospholipids (PL) and renal free fatty acids (FFA) did not change during the first four days but reached the normal range at the 8th day. The present studies demonstrate that chronically fat deficient animals excreted significantly less UPGE than that in the controls. However, this deficiency could be rapidly reversed by LA supplementation despite the fact that AA levels in renal lipid fractions remained well below normal. This suggests that dietary LA may be rapidly converted to AA and subsequently to PGE without AA levels rising in the lipid fractions usually thought of as being PG precursors.

Influence of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids on renal & aortic prostaglandin synthesis in 1 kidney 1 clip Goldblatt hypertensive rats

To study the influence of dietary modification on prostaglandin synthesis and on blood pressure regulation, the effects of dietary enrichment with linolenic or linoleic acid was compared with standard rat chow in 3 groups of 13 rats before and after renal artery constriction and contralateral nephrectomy. Before renal artery constriction 4 weeks supplementation with 40 en% linseed oil (53% linolenic acid) increased renal linolenic acid, decreased arachidonic acid, and suppressed synthesis of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and PGE2 by renal homogenates (33% and 38% respectively, p less than 0.01) compared with standard diet. Rats fed on 40 en % sunflower seed oil (63% linoleic acid) increased renal prostaglandin synthesis (p less than 0.05) compared with linseed oil, but not compared with standard diet. Seven weeks after renal artery constriction renal and aortic 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and PGE2 were suppressed 30% to 50% (p less than 0.05) by linseed oil supplements compared with sunflower seed oil and standard diets. In the sunflower seed oil group aortic 6-keto-PGF1 alpha correlated (r = 0.75, p less than 0.02) with final systolic blood pressure. Final systolic blood pressures were similar in linseed oil (152.9 mm Hg +/- se 3.3, sunflower oil (155.1 +/- se 6.6) and standard diet group (159.0 +/- se 4.2). Thus dietary linseed oil suppressed renal and aortic prostaglandin synthesis but did not accentuate renal hypertension, and linoleic acid supplementation did not protect against 1 kidney 1 clip renal hypertension.

Dietary trilinoelaidate: effects on the in vitro biosynthesis of different prostaglandins in brain, lung and stomach fundus of rats

The effects of dietary trilinoelaidate on the biosynthesis of different prostaglandins (PG's) from [1-14C]-arachidonic acid by brain, lung, and stomach fundus homogenates of rats were determined. Rats were fed diets containing hydrogenated tallow (essential fatty acid deficient), trilinoelaidin at 0 (control), 10 and 50 weight percent of the total dietary fat and sacrificed at the end of eleven weeks. Brain, lung and stomach fundus of rats receiving trilinoelaidin at a level of 50 weight percent of the total dietary fat and the essential fatty acids deficient diet showed increased activity for the in vitro conversion of exogenous arachidonic acid to PG's compared to controls.

A comparative study on the effect of cis (oleic, linoleic) and trans (elaidic, linoelaidic) fatty acids on the in vitro prostaglandin biosynthesis in human blood platelets from (1-14C) arachidonic acid

Dietary fatty acids affect the synthesis and thus ultimate availability of prostaglandin precursors. During processing of edible fats a significant portion of the naturally occurring cis fatty acids is changed to the respective trans isomers. Trans fatty acids could have a wide variety of effects including their effect on prostaglandin synthesis. A comparative study on the effect of cis (oleic and linoleic) fatty acids and their corresponding trans isomers (elaidic and linoelaidic acids) on the in vitro prostaglandin biosynthesis in human blood platelets was made. Linoleic acid (0.5, 1.0 mM) showed the same effect on the various arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites as reported earlier by us, that is, increased generation of prostaglandins and thromboxanes and reduced amounts of HHT and HETE (26). Linoelaidic acid at these two concentrations had the same effect but to a lesser extent. Both linoleic and linoelaidic acids at 0.25 mM concentration reduced TxB2 formation. Oleic and elaidic acids (0.5, 1.0 mM) decreased the formation of TxB2 though not significantly. With oleic acid, the results in respect of other AA metabolites were similar to those reported by us earlier (26). MDA was reduced significantly in the presence of linoleic, linoelaidic and oleic acids; cis isomers being more effective. In the presence of linoleic and linoelaidic acids, prostaglandin endoperoxides were reduced significantly; there was no change in the presence of oleic and elaidic acids. Thus fatty acids seem to affect the platelet cyclo-oxygenase activity; this being more pronounced in the case of cis fatty acids compared to their trans isomers. Reduction in cyclo-oxygenase activity also depends upon the number of double bonds in the acids.

Essential fatty acid-supplemented diet decreases renal excretion of immunoreactive arginine-vasopressin in essential fatty acid-deficient rats

Essential fatty acid (EFA)-deficient rats have been reported to have very concentrated urine and low urinary prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) excretion. Both parameters were normalized by feeding an EFA-supplemented diet (H.S. Hansen [1981] Lipids 16, 849-854). The urinary excretion rate of immunoreactive-arginine-vasopressin (iAVP) has been determined in these rats. The iAVP excretion rate was high: ca. 4.8 mU/24 hr, during the EFA-deficient period compared to the controls, 0.7-1.3 mU/24 hr. One day after the dietary change, iAVP excretion rate was still high, but it decreased significantly (p less than 0.05) at the second measurement 7 days later. It is suggested that the water-conserving effect of vasopressin 1 day after the dietary change was suppressed by the very high PGE2 production, resulting in normal renal water excretion. PGE2 and water excretion data were published in the paper just cited.

Essential fatty acid supplemented diet increases renal excretion of prostaglandin E2 and water in essential fatty acid deficient rats

Weanling male rats were fed an essential fatty acid (EFA)-deficient diet for 25 weeks and then switched to an EFA-supplemented diet for 3 weeks. Control rats received the EFA-supplemented diet for 25 weeks and then the EFA-deficient diet for 3 weeks. Throughout the last 19 weeks, the rats were housed in metabolic cages once a week for a 24-hr period. urinary excretion of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was estimated by radioimmunoassay. Throughout a period of 12 weeks (weeks 13-24) water consumption increased ca. 60%, and urine output and PGE2 excretion decreased ca. 45% and 70%, respectively, in the EFA-deficient rats, Feeding EFA-supplemented diet to the EFA-deficient rats for 3 weeks decreased the water consumption and raised the urine output to that observed in the controls. However, the urine output was corrected within 1 day whereas the water consumption was not corrected until the second measurement 8 days after the dietary change. The PGE2 excretion increased more than 9-fold (from 18 +/- 8 ng/24 hr to 165 +/- 51 ng/24 hr) 1 day after EFA-supplementation, followed by a decrease to 86 +/- 29 ng/24 hr over the following 24 weeks. On the basis of the present data, it is suggested that EFA deficiency in rats causes diminished PGE2 excretion, which can be normalized by EFA supplementation. The normalization of the urine flow may, in part, be caused by the concomitant considerable increase in endogenous PGE2 synthesis.

Prostaglandins and their precursors in tissues from rats fed on trans, trans-linoleate

Feeding trans,trans-9,12-linoleate to rats as 50 and 100% of the dietary fat decreased the concentrations of n-6 fatty acids, i.e. 18:2, 20:3 and 20:4, in heart, kidney, lung, adipose tissue and platelets of rats. The concentrations of prostaglandin products prostaglandins E1, E2 and F2 alpha in serum were significantly decreased in rats receiving high concentrations of dietary trans, trans-linoleate.

Kidney lipids: changes caused by dietary 9-trans, 12-trans-octadecadienoate

Trans,trans-linoleate at 50 and 100% of dietary fat decreased kidney size and altered its composition. Trans,trans-linoleate as the sole source of dietary fat impaired growth and caused more severe symptoms of essential fatty acid deficiency than was observed with hydrogenated coconut oil (HCO). The concentration of renal cholesterol, phospholipids (PL), triglycerides (TG) and cholesteryl esters (CE) were also decreased. Linoleic (18:2), homo-gamma-linolenic acid (20:3n6) and arachidonic acid (20:4n6) were significantly depressed in lipid classes, especially in PL and CE, by dietary trans,trans-linoleate. The increase in eicosatrienoate (20:3n9), especially in PL and CE of kidneys of rats fed HCO (essential fatty acid deficient), was slight in rats fed 100% trans,trans-linoleate, indicating that the trans,trans acid probably inhibited acyl elongation and desaturation.